LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT
Senator Sophia Chitlik (District 22), a first-term State Senator from Durham focused on working families, is hiring her sole staff member. This is a demanding, high-trust, constituent-facing role and NOT a campaign position.
THE BASICS
- Salary: $42,009 + full benefits (set by the General Assembly). Start date: May 1–15, 2026.
- Location: Raleigh office, five days/week; some Durham in-district work required.
- Hours vary significantly: Session weeks run 8am–9pm; recess weeks are lighter.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
You are the Chief of Staff, communications director, constituent services lead, and policy researcher all in one. It's a lot, and it's incredibly meaningful work.
- Constituent services: Be the first and best point of contact for constituents by phone, email, and in person. Navigate government bureaucracy on their behalf. Track interactions and continuously improve how the office serves people.
- Operations: Manage the Senator's schedule, briefing books, task lists, contacts database, and all administrative forms from start to finish.
- Communications: Manage inboxes, draft and send a weekly newsletter, and handle new voter outreach letters.
- Policy: Support bill drafting, summarize legislation, write policy briefs, and edit legislation.
- External representation: Staff the Senator at events and committee meetings. Screen and welcome guests and advocacy groups.
WHO YOU ARE
You are reliable, discreet, compassionate, and unflappable. You manage up, manage details, and don't need to be told twice.
- A trusted partner who shows up, asks good questions, and can hold their own with senior officials
- A servant leader who centers constituents, including those in crisis, with genuine empathy
- An effective operator who is flexible, positive, detail-oriented, and gets things done
Key skills: strong written and oral communication, inbox and time management, organization, and comfort using AI tools responsibly.
EXPERIENCE
NCGA experience is a plus and will be prioritized. Other relevant backgrounds include customer service, government, administrative work, writing and research, or data and CRM. Candidates meeting around 60% of qualifications are encouraged to apply.
WHAT YOU GET
This role punches above its salary in ways that matter.
You'll receive:
- Mentorship and twice-yearly reviews from a Senator genuinely invested in your growth (her last LA was recruited by the Governor's office)
- Remote work flexibility when the Senate is not in session
- A strong cohort of Democratic Caucus LAs who often build lifelong relationships
- Meaningful exposure to elected officials, community leaders, and professional development opportunities
- Real autonomy: Senator Chitlik's approach is to train, trust, and let go
TO APPLY
Apply by April 25, 2026. Qualified candidates will interview with a panel of current and former LAs in late April, with an offer extended by May 15, 2026.
